Heather Lake
North Cascades
Heather Lake is snow-free around the lake as of May 10th, though some reports from early April noted compact snow and ice. The trail is primarily muddy and rooty, especially in the upper half, with several sections having poor drainage and water running down the path. Expect occasional downed trees and slippery rocks, making waterproof footwear and poles highly recommended. Parking lots can fill up, even on weekdays. Several reports mention trash and dog waste left on the trail, so be prepared to practice Leave No Trace principles.
generated from 124 reports
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Overall, a relatively easy hike that I did with two of my friends.(A) Getting There & Parking & TrailheadNo issues getting to the trailhead even with an older FWD car. No snow whatsoever. Roads were m...
Had about 30 minutes at the lake and time to complete the circuit around it before the low clouds descended and fogged the scenery out. No views of Mt Pilchuck today. First half of the trail is OK (4 ...
Arrived at TH at 1:15pm on a Tuesday with full primary lot, and about five cars in the overflow lot. Not too many people on trail or at lake. Hike up is relatively short, but pretty rooty and rocky in...
I arrived at the Heather Lake parking area around 7:30 AM today to meet my hiking group and there were already several cars there, but I was able to get a spot very close to the trailhead. The privy i...
We did a late afternoon hike and got to the trailhead just before 4pm. The parking lots were busy and people were parking along the side of the road, so it looked like a busy day on the trail. The tra...
The road to the trailhead is in good shape. Just a handful of large potholes that were easily avoided.The trail is about 99% snow free. Just some patches right around the lake remain. All that snow me...
Low clearance sedans should have no issues reaching the trailhead. Road is mostly dry and pot holes avoidable. Subarus and 4x4s will yawn about it.Trail is in good shape, some hard snow near the very ...
The road leading to the trailhead has a few potholes, nothing crazy. Our Tesla made it there with no difficulty. There's a restroom at the trailhead. The parking lot is huge. We got there at 10:30am a...
•Road: good for all cars, good amount of parking.•Snow: trail around the lake is covered in snow, but very compact and walkable. Poles would help for stability. Shoreline is mostly thawed and accessib...
Thank you, WTA!!! Trail is beautifully maintained for the entire first half! Easiest trailhead for parking. Halfway through it does become Roots and rocks as many have said, but definitely still man...
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